Day-flying moths

At last some hot, sunny, dry and calm weather. Ranmore was my place of choice, with the slopes at Denbigh's and White Downs being checked. There was a lot more insect activity than of late, but butterfly numbers were still poor, although these did include 4 Adonis Blues.

Day-flying moths were to the fore, with 100+ Five-spot Burnet, 4 Lace Border, 3 Burnet Companion and single Mother Shipton and Clouded Buff.

I was pleased to finally catch up with Woundwort Shieldbug, found on Hedge Woundwort. A smart little fella.

Lace Border - restricted to the North Downs in Surrey and Kent, plus outlying colonies in Gloucestershire and Norfolk
Burnet Companion - foodplants are clovers, trefoils and vetches
Mother Shipton - named after the outline of the old crone's face
Five-spot Burnet. Why isn't it Narrow? Don't ask me, but earlier flight time and habitat would point to this species.

Woundwort Shieldbug on a Hedge Woundwort leaf

Comments

Billy Dykes said…
Lace Border, eh? I think I know where I'm going to be on Saturday then...
19 June 2013 at 22:32
Steve Gale said…
Bill, all four Lace Borders were at the eastern end of White Downs. Easily disturbed and settle quickly. Good luck!
20 June 2013 at 09:16
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